Nurturing Your Shih Tzu from Puppyhood to Adulthood

Whether you're the proud puppy parent of a Shih Tzu or you're considering bringing one of these furry friends into your household, you already know just how big of a responsibility it is to care for a puppy. It is up to you to train your puppy so that he becomes a loving member of your household - instead of just a hassle. Your pet will be around you and other members of your household all the time, and you want to foster a loving relationship. You do this by providing your pet with the care and love it needs to thrive. While the puppy stage can be quite demanding, it is a very interesting and fulfilling experience for you and your entire home. Read on to find out how you can nurture your puppy to create a friend that you'll have for years to come.

Bath time and hair brushing

Shih Tzu grooming experts recommend bathing your dog at least once every two weeks. While some people would prefer to have their dog’s bathe every day, this often leads to skin irritations because the natural oils that protect both the skin and the hair is stripped off. A separate bathtub and special soap helps you to avoid cross contamination with the rest of the family. It is definitely easier to dry hair with a hair dryer after washing, but a towel is better for retaining the natural oils. When brushing your dog's fur, the brush needs to comb through the hair shaft from the root and in the direction of growth. Any tangles should be removed with the hands to avoid hurting the animal.